Idaho is Wild about Reading! Reading together is a great way for parents and children to share an activity while helping the child build reading skills. Join us in celebrating Idaho Family Reading Week at one of these special events!

Main Library

Dinner and a Book ~

Wednesday, November 18, 6 p.m.

Main Library, all ages.

Enjoy Flying Pie pizza, ice-cream and lots of good stories. 
Hayes Auditorium.

Limited seating, registration required -
call 384-4200 starting Nov. 1. 

Cole & Ustick

Dinner and a Book ~

Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.

Library! at Cole & Ustick, all ages.

Enjoy Flying Pie pizza, ice-cream and lots of good stories. 
Sagebrush Room.

Limited seating, registration required -
call 570-6900 starting Nov. 1.

Collister

Safari and a Snack ~

Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.

Library! at Collister, all ages.

Meet a variety of live reptiles provided by the Idaho Herpetological Society and listen to safari-themed stories. Snacks and fun giveaways will be provided.  Sycamore Room.

Hillcrest

Family Treasure Hunt ~

Thursday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.

Library! at Hillcrest, all ages.

Enjoy a family treasure hunt, yummy snacks, stories, and prizes. Registration is not required. Lemhi Room.

Idaho Family Reading Week

Each year, schools, libraries, and community organizations across the state plan activities to celebrate Idaho Family Reading Week.   During the week, activities such as Dinner and a Book help encourage parents to read aloud to their children every day and to visit their local public library for information and materials to help with reading.

Research shows that infants and children who are read to are more enthusiastic about reading, are better readers, are more successful in school,  and are more likely to remain lifelong readers.  Since parents are their children's first teacher, parental involvement in reading dramatically increases children's scores on reading comprehension testing.

Libraries provide families with tools to help give young children a jump start on reading and lifelong learning.  Library programs and materials can help parents nurture their child’s developing literacy and encourage the joy of reading as a family activity.  Reading together is a great way for parents and children to converse and connect, as well as a way for parents to model good reading habits.

* Note:  Former Idaho State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Marilyn Howard, created the original Dinner and a Book program, and has kindly allowed Boise Public Library to borrow the concept.

Last Updated: 11/13/2009 JMH